Microchips
A Microchip Could Be the Reason Your Pet Comes Home
A collar can fall off.
An ID tag can break.
A GPS collar battery can die.
But a properly registered microchip stays with your pet for life.
For millions of lost pets, a microchip has been the link that reunited them with their families.
If your pet doesn't already have one, it's one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to protect them.
What Is a Microchip?
A pet microchip is a tiny electronic chip, about the size of a grain of rice, that is implanted just beneath your pet's skin—usually between the shoulder blades.
The procedure is quick, similar to a routine vaccination, and is typically performed by a veterinarian.
Each microchip contains a unique identification number.
When a lost pet is found, veterinarians, animal shelters, and animal control agencies use a handheld scanner to read that number and contact the microchip registry to locate the owner.
The microchip itself does
not contain your personal information. It simply stores a unique identification number that links to your registration record.
How Does It Work?
If someone finds your pet:
- They take the pet to a veterinarian, shelter, or animal control agency.
- The pet is scanned for a microchip.
- The scanner displays the chip's identification number.
- The microchip company is contacted.
- The registered owner is notified.
The entire process can take just minutes—if your registration information is current.
A Microchip Is Only as Good as Its Registration
One of the biggest misconceptions is that implanting a microchip is all that's required.
It isn't.
A microchip that isn't registered—or has outdated contact information—is often no more useful than having no microchip at all.
Whenever you:
- Move
- Change your phone number
- Change your email address
- Transfer ownership
- Adopt a pet with an existing microchip
Update your registration immediately.
Take a few minutes each year to verify that your information is still correct.
Common Myths About Microchips
❌ "A microchip is GPS."
It isn't.
A microchip cannot track your pet's location.
It does not contain GPS, cellular service, Bluetooth, or any other tracking technology.
It only provides identification after your pet has been found and scanned.
❌ "I'll be able to locate my pet with the microchip."
Unfortunately, no.
A microchip cannot tell you where your pet is.
If your pet is missing, you'll still need to search, notify shelters, and follow a recovery plan.
❌ "Microchips need batteries."
They don't.
Pet microchips contain no battery and require no charging or maintenance.
They are designed to last for your pet's lifetime.
❌ "My veterinarian already registered it."
Sometimes they do.
Sometimes they don't.
Never assume.
Verify your registration yourself and make sure your current contact information is listed correctly.heme.
Should Every Pet Be Microchipped?
Our answer is simple:
Yes.
Dogs.
Cats.
Indoor cats.
Outdoor cats.
Livestock.
Even pets that are normally confined can escape during:
- Fireworks
- Thunderstorms
- House fires
- Traffic accidents
- Natural disasters
- Open gates
- Visits to unfamiliar places
No pet owner ever plans to lose a pet.
Preparation is much easier than regret.
Microchip vs. GPS Collar
People often ask which is better.
The answer is:
Both.
A microchip and a GPS collar serve two completely different purposes.
Microchip GPS Collar
Permanent identification Real-time location tracking
No batteries Requires charging
Helps after your pet is found Helps you locate your pet before someone else finds them
Lifetime device Subscription usually required
Low one-time cost Higher ongoing cost
One does not replace the other.
Together, they provide excellent protection.
How Much Does It Cost?
Microchips are surprisingly affordable.
Most veterinary clinics charge approximately $25–$75, although prices vary depending on the clinic and whether registration is included.
Many shelters and community events also offer discounted microchip clinics.
Considering a microchip lasts for your pet's lifetime, it's one of the best values in pet safety.
Add Your Microchip Information to Your Lost Pet Folder
Once your pet has been microchipped:
✔ Record the microchip number.
✔ Record the company that issued the chip.
✔ Save your registration confirmation.
✔ Keep your login information in your Lost Pet Folder.
✔ Verify your registration every year.
If your pet ever goes missing, you'll have everything you need in one place.
Our Recommendation
At Northern California Lost Pet, we believe every pet should have multiple layers of protection.
A registered microchip is one of those essential layers.
It may never be needed—but if your pet is ever found by a stranger, it could be the reason they find their way back to you.
Protect Your Pet Before They're Lost
A microchip won't prevent a pet from escaping.
But it can dramatically increase the chances of a successful reunion.
Combine a registered microchip with:
- A properly fitted collar
- A visible ID tag
- A GPS tracking collar when appropriate
- Current photographs
- A completed Lost Pet Folder
Preparation today can make all the difference tomorrow.
Helping pet owners prevent pets from becoming lost—and helping bring them home when they do.